Changing companion communication device behavior based on status of wearable device

Abstract

Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for detecting a wearing status of a wearable device, such as a wireless ear bud, eyeglasses, a watch, etc., where the wearing status indicates whether a user is wearing the wearable device, and sending wearing status data to a companion communication device to control a behavior of the companion communication device.

1 . A wearable device comprising:
 a processor;   a media output component;   a sensor configured to detect a wearing status of the wearable device; and   a communication interface configured to send, to a companion communication device paired with the wearable device, a wearing status signal indicating a wearing status or change in wearing status of the wearable device.   
     
     
         2 . The wearable device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the sensor detects a change in the wearing status of the wearable device;   the signal indicates the wearable device the change in the wearing status of the wearable device from not being worn to being worn; and   the communication interface receives, from the companion communication device, media data subsequent to the change in the wearing status.   
     
     
         3 . The wearable device of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the wearable device further comprises smart eyeglasses; and   the processor is configured to process the media data, received from the companion communication device, to generate a media output signal for the media output component.   
     
     
         4 . The wearable device of  claim 3 , wherein:
 the media output component comprises a speaker and/or a display; and   the media data comprises audio data and/or image data.   
     
     
         5 . The wearable device of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the wearable device further comprises an audio output device;   the media output component comprises at least one speaker; and   the processor is configured to process audio data, received from the companion communication device, to generate an audio output signal for the at least one speaker.   
     
     
         6 . The wearable device of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the wearable device further comprises a smart watch; and   the processor is configured to process media data, received from the companion communication device, to generate media output data for the media output component.   
     
     
         7 . The wearable device of  claim 6 , wherein:
 the media output component comprises a speaker; and   the media data comprises audio data.   
     
     
         8 . The wearable device of  claim 6 , wherein:
 the media output component comprises a display; and   the media data comprises image data.   
     
     
         9 . The wearable device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a camera configured to perform retinal scanning; and   the processor is configured to process retinal scanning data to confirm a user's identity; and   the communication interface is further configured to send to the companion communication device a signal confirming the user's identity.   
     
     
         10 . The wearable device of  claim 9 , wherein the wearable device is configured to perform the retinal scanning responsive to a change in the wearing status of the wearable device indicating a user donning the wearable device. 
     
     
         11 . The wearable device of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises any one of or combination of: an optical proximity sensor, a pressure sensor, a heat sensor, or a moisture sensor. 
     
     
         12 . A companion communication device comprising:
 a communication interface configured to receive, from a wearable device paired with the companion communication device, a wearing status signal indicating a wearing status of the wearable device; and   a processor configured to change behavior of an operating system component of the companion communication device, based on the wearing status.   
     
     
         13 . The companion communication device of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the processor of the companion communication device is configured to change behavior of the operating system component by publishing or un-publishing availability of a media route that allows user-selectable controls to route media from the companion communication device to the wearable device.   
     
     
         14 . The companion communication device of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the wearing status signal indicates the wearable device is not being worn or indicates a change in the wearing status of the wearable device from being worn to not being worn; and   the wearing status signal causes the companion communication device to un-publish availability of a media route to the wearable device.   
     
     
         15 . The companion communication device of  claim 12 , wherein:
 the wearing status signal indicates the wearable device is being worn or indicates a change in the wearing status of the wearable device from not being worn to being worn; and   the wearing status signal causes the companion communication device to publish availability of a media route to the wearable device.   
     
     
         16 . A communication system comprising a wearable device paired with a companion communication device, wherein:
 the wearable device comprises:
 a speaker; 
 a sensor configured to detect a wearing status of the wearable device; and 
 a first communication interface configured to send a wearing status signal to the companion communication device indicating a wearing status of the wearable device; and 
   the companion communication device comprises:
 a second communication interface configured to receive from the wearable device the wearing status signal; and 
 a processor configured to change behavior of an operating system component of the companion communication device, based on the wearing status signal received from the wearable device. 
   
     
     
         17 . The communication system of  claim 16 , wherein:
 the processor of the companion communication device is configured to change the behavior of the operating system component by publishing or un-publishing availability of a media route that allows user selectable controls to route media from the companion communication device to the wearable device.   
     
     
         18 . The communication system of  claim 16 , wherein:
 the wearable device further comprises:
 a camera to perform retinal scanning; and 
 a processor to confirm a user's identity based on a retinal scan; and 
   the first communication interface is configured to send a signal indicating confirmation of a user's identity to the companion communication device; and   the processor of the companion communication device is configured to unlock the companion communication device responsive to the signal received from the wearable device confirming the user's identity.   
     
     
         19 . The communication system of  claim 18  wherein:
 the signal confirming the user's identity allows for unlocking the companion communication device in place of a default setting embedded in the operating system of the companion communication device requiring a fingerprint scan at the companion communication device. 
 
     
     
         20 . The communication system of  claim 18 , wherein:
 the processor of the companion communication device is further configured to allow completion of a purchase request after confirmation of the user's identity.